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WORLD: Prostitute’s ‘bedroom video footage’ adds to pressure on Silvio Berlusconi
Rashid Razaq22.06.09
Silvio Berlusconi is facing new sex allegations after a prostitute claimed she had video footage of herself in the Italian prime minister's bedroom.
A third woman has also come forward to say she was paid by a hostess agency to attend private parties at the billionaire's home. Barbara Montereale, 23, claimed that Mr Berlusconi gave her 10,000 (£8,500) as a “present” after attending one of his parties. She said she was given 1,000 by Giampalolo Tarantini, who allegedly procured women for the prime minister.
Ms Montereale claims that Patrizia D'Addario, an escort girl at the centre of the scandal, told her she had sex with Mr Berlusconi. “Everyone at the dinner knew Patrizia was an escort. I was meant to be sharing a room with Patrizia at the hotel that night. I slept there alone. When she came back at 8am she told me she had been to bed with him (Berlusconi) but that he hadn't paid her because she had asked for a favour instead,” she said.
The favour is alleged to have been help with getting a building project started after it had stalled through the official channels.
Prosecutors have interviewed the three women and Mr Tarantini, a businessman, who has denied the allegations and claimed he only reimbursed the women for their travel and expenses. He has also apologised to Mr Berlusconi for damaging him politically.
The scandal began weeks ago when the premier's wife, Veronica Lario, cited Mr Berlusconi's selection of young starlets and showgirls for European Parliament elections when announcing she was divorcing him.
Since then, Mr Berlusconi has fended off allegations that he had an improper relationship with an 18-year-old model and had hosted showgirls and escorts at his parties, who were paid to attend.
The premier has called the allegations “garbage” and accused the media of a smear campaign.
Ms D'Addario, 42, described by her friends as an upmarket prostitute from Bari, said she wore a video recording device during her time with Mr Berlusconi — footage that has been handed to Bari prosecutors.
Both Ms D'Addario and Ms Montereale said they were offered candidacies in recent local elections in Bari with a party affiliated to Mr Berlusconi's
Freedom People's party, though neither won.
Reader views (11)
Oh Silvio, you old cad you! You are incorrigible! ;-D
- Paulie, Canada
Guess what?the slush campaign against Prime Minister Burlusconi backfired on the opposition,they lost again
this weekend and how.
To the opposition,keep up this slush and before you know Italy will have no more opposition parties.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy
Berlusconi is just a dirty old man.
- Gloria G, London, UK
Marina, done! (and you have been!)
Wrap him up and have him in the post asap.
72 years old and still entertaining on a regular basis! Geezer!
- Ethan, UK
I wish Italy had Brown and you English are wellcome to Berlusconi anytime.
- Marina, Home Counties, England
Berlusconi is just an embarrassment to himself. Brown does humiliation on a global level. I can never forget his Freudian master plan to save the world. Funny how these girls think by calling themselves an upmarket prostitute it makes it sound like an advantageous occupation.
- Gary, brentwood
Only in Italy even the French wouldn't put up with this!!
The man is dangerous and corrupt the quicjker he os ousted the better for europe
- Duncan, Kent
I would rather a government which is fun like that than our wasteful "government". With Crash Gordon we just don't know where he is losing money this time. It could be anywhere and nobody knows exactly.
- Steveo, London NW1
They've got Berlusconi and we've got, er, gordon brown!!!
By the way, where's her other leg?
- Chris., Brighton, England.
A prostitute in parliament? Why not, at least she has a track record of honest transactions. Whereas our lot.
But I reckon all this will actually enhance Berlusconi's reputation. Remember this is a country that elected 'la cicolina' (spelling!).
- Ethan, UK
What a boy!
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
